Qualities of Good Leaders

When Moses became the leader of the Hebrew nation, he took on the responsibility of hearing and resolving conflicts among the people. This responsibility became too great for him to bear alone. His father-in-law observed this and offered Moses sound advice.

Jethro stated in Exodus 18:17–19 (KJV):

“[17] And Moses’ father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good. [18] Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone.  [19] Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God.”

Moses listened intently to Jethro with humility, recognizing and respecting him as the priest of Midian. Jethro instructed Moses to select honorable men of character whom he could train to assist in carrying out his responsibilities, because the workload was too great for one man alone. Moses could not resolve every issue by himself; it would require godly, honorable men to help bear the burden.

Jethro’s full counsel is found in Exodus 18:21–23 (KJV):

“[21] Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:  [22] And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.  [23] If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace.”

Qualities Jethro Identified in Leaders

Jethro instructed Moses to look for men who were:

• Honorable men of good moral character

• Men who fear God and respect authority

• Men of truth (honest and trustworthy)

• Men who hate covetousness (not driven by greed or material gain)

Principles of Leadership from This Passage

These same qualities remain the foundation of good leadership today. Jethro made it clear that if Moses selected men with these qualifications:

• Moses would be able to endure

• The people would experience peace

• The most critical matters would rise to Moses

• Lesser matters would be handled effectively by capable leaders

This structure ensured both efficiency and stability.

Leadership Lessons for Today

From this passage, we learn:

• Leadership requires character

• Leadership requires delegation

• Godly leadership multiplies itself through others

• Leadership brings order and peace

• Leaders must focus on their primary responsibilities

• Leadership requires humility to accept wise counsel

Closing Thought

Effective leadership is not about doing everything alone it is about choosing the right people, sharing responsibility, and leading with godly character. When leadership is structured according to God’s principles, both the leader and the people will endure, and peace will prevail.